Deputy Sheriff Max G. Straub

Max G. Straub

Deputy Straub was killed by a man he was transporting to the Western State Hospital at Ft. Supply. The man had committed himself and was being transported to the hospital when he somehow seized the deputy's .357 magnum pistol and shot him three times, including one near the left ear with powder burns and one in the left chest with powder burns.

Witnesses observed the occupants of the patrol car wrestling in the front seat. The vehicle rolled into a ditch and stopped and the suspect got out of the car and get in the driver's side, pushing something towards the passenger side and driving off.

The vehicle was found about 3/4ths of a mile down the road and the suspect walking along the side of the road.

The 25-year-old suspect was sentences to life in prison.